MassHousing Update, November 2018
Throughout November, in Massachusetts and across the nation, we recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by Veterans and their families. This issue of MassHousing Update highlights some of the programs, initiatives and other efforts made by MassHousing and our partners to better meet the housing challenges and needs of Massachusetts Veterans. We thank all Veterans and their families for their service, and we remain committed to ensuring you have an affordable, supportive place to call home in Massachusetts.
"The Baker-Polito Administration has taken great strides towards eradicating Veteran homelessness in the Commonwealth. Since 2015, homelessness among Veterans in Massachusetts has declined 25%, and we continue to build a comprehensive portfolio of affordable housing options and service models to meet the needs of our state’s bravest men and women. In fiscal year 2018 alone, we created 75 new units of permanent supportive housing for Veterans and their families. From assisting Veterans with housing to providing financial supports for eligible Veterans and Gold Star Families, Massachusetts continues to lead the nation in caring for those who answered our nation's call to service. We are proud of the work we do each and every day supporting our Veterans."

-Department of Veterans Services Secretary Francisco Ureña
Operation Welcome Home: Helping Veterans, Military Members Achieve Homeownership
Announced on Veterans Day 2015, Operation Welcome Home continues to be a valuable mortgage option for Veterans, members of the National Guard and Reserves, active-duty military and Gold Star Families. 

CCRI Supports Veterans in Recovery
MassHousing's Center for Community Recovery Innovations has awarded $1.8 million in funding to support the creation and preservation of 24 projects with 520 units of affordable, sober housing for Veterans and their families. Continue reading...
Construction Update: Brighton Marine
Work continues in Brighton, where $28.4 million in MassHousing financing is helping WinnCompanies create 101 units of mixed-income housing adjacent to the Brighton Marine Health Center . The project includes the adaptive reuse of one building and the construction of another. Units will be reserved for a range of low- and moderate-income residents, with preference given to Veterans, men and women in the military and their families.

Tom Lyons, long-time Veterans advocate and senior executive at MassHousing, retires
Tom Lyons, MassHousing's Vice President of External Affairs and a long-time, well-known advocate for Veterans issues has retired after 16 years at MassHousing. Prior to his becoming Vice President of External Affairs, Tom served as MassHousing's Director of Community Services and as Acting Executive Director in late 2017 and early 2018. Prior to his service at MassHousing, Tom was the Executive Director at the New England Center and Home for Veterans as well as the Director of Veterans Services for the City of Boston. Tom enlisted in the Marine Corps at age 18 and served in the Vietnam War. He led the effort to raise funds for and build the nation's first monument to soldiers killed in Vietnam, which was unveiled in 1981 in South Boston. He serves on the Boards of several nonprofits that assist Veterans and is active in state and national Veterans issues.

Thank you, Tom, for your friendship and leadership, and for your commitment to Veterans, affordable housing and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
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